OMG what dreadful news - had much correspondence with Stephen and he was just the most brilliant of people.
I'm just lost for words. RIP my friend.
Nigel
 

Rest Eternal Grant unto him.  Let light perpetual shine upon him.
 
What a great guy.  Creative and unique GUI's, fantastic samples, and what a great corner he had on the "old school" pre-vintage, and quirky gear.  His prices were so affordable.  He had a niche, a unique place, a corner of the market, a wonderful service to musicians everywhere, and he knew how to serve us well.  I will miss seeing his emails and the fantastic deals he had.  You never knew what he would come up with next.  His passing is So very sad; he will truly be missed.
 
Hope Hideaway will be able to continue in his stead and keep the HollowSun concept going on and on and on.

All I can say right at this moment that I am devastated by this utterly unexpected sad news.  I never met Stephen face to face, but I regarded him as a friend from numerous email exchanges and a delightful interview I did with him in Soundbytes Magazine just over one year ago.  What a truly charming fellow, not to mention a vastly important enabler of our musical aspirations.  Such a loss.  You will be sorely missed, Mr. Howell.

I have just been reading the thread on KVR and I hope in some small way the sincere things people are posting on various forums are in a small way comforting to his loved ones.
 
I remember him taking the time to PM my specifically to thank me for some comments I had posted on this forum.
 
He has left a legacy, not just of sample libraries, but of inspiration. As other have said on KVR, I hope the products continue to be available, both to benefit his family and to preserve his legacy.

Wow - what a shocker! I too have a number of his libraries.
Condolences to his loved ones & others who share in this unexpected loss. 

An unexpectedly sad loss. That was one developer which I always looked forward to getting emails from........one of the really good guys. Will certainly pray for his soul.